Just three days after the IPL 2026 final, Team India has begun the difficult transition from T20 cricket to the longer format. The players are now preparing for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, but the challenge goes beyond practice sessions and match strategy.
After 75 days of late-night games, travel, and T20 cricket, the Indian squad is working to reset both physically and mentally for the demands of Test cricket.
Several Players Arrive Directly From IPL Final
Eight members of India’s 15-player Test squad were involved in the IPL 2026 final between the Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Players such as Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar featured for the Gujarat Titans in the final.
Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
After the IPL concluded, the players quickly assembled in Chandigarh to begin preparations for the Afghanistan Test.
Sleep Cycle Adjustment Is a Major Focus
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate revealed that one of the biggest challenges has been adjusting the players’ sleep schedules.
The IPL schedule often involves late-night matches and delayed recovery periods. However, Test cricket requires players to be ready early in the morning for long days on the field.
According to ten Doeschate, the coaching staff has already started working on this transition.
He explained that players have been encouraged to wake up earlier and attend morning gym sessions planned by strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux.
The coaching staff has also noticed players arriving earlier for breakfast as they gradually adapt to the new routine.
Moving From T20 Mindset to Test Cricket
While sleep adjustment is important, the larger challenge is changing the players’ approach to the game.
Ten Doeschate described the process as “detoxing” players from T20 habits.
In T20 cricket, players often attack aggressively and make quick decisions. Test cricket, however, demands patience, discipline, and careful shot selection.
The assistant coach explained that players are focusing on making decisions based on the ball’s line and length rather than relying on instinctive attacking options developed during the IPL.
Training Sessions Reflect Red-Ball Preparation
India’s recent practice sessions have looked very different from IPL training routines.
Instead of high-intensity power-hitting drills, the team has focused on:
- Long batting sessions
- Slip-catching practice
- Extended bowling spells
- Technical adjustments
- Defensive and patient batting methods
The goal is to help players regain the habits needed for success in Test cricket.
According to ten Doeschate, the last few training days have been entirely focused on helping players rediscover the skills required for the red-ball format.
Busy International Schedule Ahead
The challenge of moving between formats will not end with the Afghanistan Test.
Later this year, India will tour New Zealand for a multi-format series beginning on October 22.
The schedule leaves very little time for adjustment. India’s fifth ODI against New Zealand is scheduled for November 15, while the first Test begins on November 19.
That means players will have only a few days to switch from white-ball cricket to Test cricket once again.
Extreme Conditions Add Another Challenge
Apart from format changes, the weather is expected to test the players as well.
The one-off Test will be played in hot conditions, with temperatures expected to reach 34–35 degrees Celsius.
Ten Doeschate admitted that going from an IPL final played under lights to a Test match in extreme daytime heat is not easy.
However, he expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt.
According to the assistant coach, India’s players have consistently handled difficult situations throughout their careers and are prepared to take on another demanding challenge.
India Focused on Test Success
As the countdown to the Afghanistan Test continues, India’s preparation is centered on rebuilding the habits needed for red-ball cricket.
From adjusting sleep cycles to refining technique and mindset, the squad is using every available day to leave the IPL behind and fully focus on Test cricket.
With experienced players and a dedicated support staff, India hopes the transition will be complete when the first ball is bowled on Saturday.